The Oyo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has called on security agencies to launch a manhunt for the suspected hoodlums who allegedly hacked one of its members, Ridwan Adeyemo, to death in Ibadan.
Adeyemo, a commercial motorcyclist and APC member in Ward 06 of Ibadan South-West Local Government Area, was reportedly attacked by a gang of armed men on Friday in the Ita-Barika area of Agbokojo, Ibadan North-West Local Government Area of Oyo State.
He reportedly died at the scene of the attack. However, the circumstances surrounding the killing remain unclear, and the police have not confirmed the incident.
The APC alleged that Adeyemo was targeted because of his political affiliation and called for a thorough investigation to identify those responsible for his death.
Oyo APC Condemns Killing of Party Member
The party’s publicity secretary, Olawale Sadare, confirmed the incident in a statement, condemning the killing and calling on security agencies to investigate the circumstances surrounding the attack.
The APC state leadership also visited the bereaved family to express its condolences, describing the incident as disturbing amid concerns about political violence in Oyo State.
Speaking during the visit, the party’s state secretary, Fatai Adesina, said the leadership received news of Adeyemo’s death late on Friday.
Adesina expressed concern over reports that the attackers allegedly questioned Adeyemo about his political affiliation before killing him.
“We received the shocking news of the dastardly act at the late hours of Friday. It became more regrettable when we got to know that the deceased was attacked and hacked down because he was an APC loyalist, as eyewitness accounts had it that his killers queried him on why he chose our Party over other registered political parties,” Adesina said.
The allegation has not been independently confirmed, and the police have yet to verify the reported attack.
APC Says Information Could Help Police Investigation
Adesina said the party had information that could assist investigators but would not disclose the details publicly to avoid compromising police efforts to identify and apprehend the suspected perpetrators.
He described Adeyemo as a responsible citizen and disclosed that the deceased left behind an aged mother and a pregnant wife.
According to the APC secretary, the killing has brought grief to the family and heightened concern among party members over the safety of political supporters in the state.
The party urged the police to conduct a comprehensive investigation and identify anyone suspected of being directly involved in the attack or sponsoring it.
APC Raises Alarm Over Alleged Political Threats in Oyo
The APC further accused suspected political thugs of threatening opposition party members in Ibadan and other parts of Oyo State.
Adesina urged security agencies to take proactive measures to prevent further violence, particularly as political activities begin to intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“In the last few days, the leadership of our great Party has had causes to call on the security agencies to be proactive in checking the activities of sponsored political thugs and hoodlums who have been threatening members of the opposition parties in Ibadan and other parts of the state,” he said.
The party called for decisive action to protect residents and political party members, regardless of their political affiliations.
Adesina also pledged that the APC would cooperate with the police and support Adeyemo’s family during the difficult period.
He said the party would continue to push for justice and ensure that those found culpable were held accountable.
The APC also appealed to its members to remain peaceful and avoid actions capable of escalating tensions as preparations for the 2027 general elections gather momentum.
Police Yet to Confirm Reported Attack
Meanwhile, the Police Public Relations Officer in Oyo State, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, said he could not confirm the reported attack when contacted.
“I cannot confirm the attack,” Olayinka was quoted as saying.
The police response means the circumstances surrounding Adeyemo’s death, including the alleged political motive, remain unverified.
Further clarification from security agencies is expected to establish the facts of the incident and determine whether anyone will be arrested in connection with the killing.
This report will be updated as more verified information becomes available.